We are right in the middle of our Artosphere Festival, and while we do have Polyglot Theatre's We Built This City happening in our hall this Saturday, May 19, there is also a lot going on outside our theater!

As part of Artosphere's visual arts component this year, we commissioned two artists to build site-specific installations; Karst artist Massey Burke, and Stickworks artist Patrick Dougherty. Both artists began their residency last week, and what progress they've made these past few days! Of course, they have had help from local volunteers that have dedicated their time (and sweat) to helping both of these artists complete their pieces.

Dougherty and volunteers

Patrick Dougherty installation on Walton Arts Center's Tyson PlazaLocal apprentices learning sustainable building techniques while assisting BurkeWalton Arts Center will host an End-of-Construction Celebration for Massey Burke and her Karst project on Saturday, May 19 from 3pm-5pm at the installation on the Nadine Baum Studios lawn. Patrick Dougherty's piece will be finished by the following week, May 28.

If you're interested in learning about artists who work with nature, join us this Saturday, May 19 from 2pm-3pm at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for a lecture with Patrick Dougherty and Robert Tannen. While the event is free, reservations are required due to limited seating, and can be made by clicking here.

BIG thank you to all the volunteers who are helping bring both of these projects to life on the Walton Arts Center campus. We truly appreciate your help, and could not have done this without your support. Northwest Arkansas truly is a wonderful community!